DTG publish D-Book 6
The DTG has published the 6th edition of the 'D-Book', the detailed interoperability specification for UK Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT). The latest edition has been updated to incorporate the specification for next-generation DVB-T2 services, which will enable the launch of four free-to air high definition (HD) channels on the Freeview platform by late 2009.
The DTG has published and maintained the D-Book, which is written in collaboration with experts drawn from the DTG's membership of over 125 broadcasters, platform operators, manufacturers and other stakeholders, for over a decade. The specification is now published annually to keep pace with the UK's rapidly-evolving DTT platform.
Richard Lindsay-Davies, DTG Director General said: "The launch of HD services on Freeview is a landmark in UK broadcasting and I am intensely proud of the role the DTG and its membership are playing. The DTG was established by the industry over a decade ago to protect consumers and safeguard the reputations of distribution platforms and receiver manufacturers.
"This has been achieved by defining the detailed interoperability specification for UK DTT, and by the development and implementation of test specifications and test regimes to measure product conformance against brand requirements. I am delighted that the expertise we have gained creating the robust open standards that have helped Freeview reach 65% of UK homes can now be applied to DVB-T2 services, which will offer four channels of free-to-air HD programming and firmly establishing the UK as a world leader in DTT services.
"D-Book 6 will mark a step change in market compliance. With the DTG able to utilise eight years of test suite development as a foundation to ensure that Freeview HD receivers will meet levels of compliance achieved previously only on vertical or lower volume proprietary standard platforms. This world-first will deliver the best of both worlds: the high volumes of an open standard, horizontal market, with the compliance levels of a vertical or lower volume platform."
Updated sections in D Book 6 include:
- Video Audio Subtitles—H264 video-720p 1080i, surround audio using Dolby Digital Plus, subtitle positioning for multi-resolution video.
- PSI SI—content management signalling to meet requirements of studios for HD content, network change notify to enable triggered retune, trailer selection.
- RF Performance & RF Measurement—performance figures for DVB-T2, clarified methods for RF measurement.
- MHEG—extensions for HD resolutions, support for JPEG images, network return channel that can enable broadband television streaming services (IPTV).
- OAD Mechanism—OAD system reviewed in light of Engineering Channel consultation, includes pan European standard DVB SSU method.
- AFD Guidelines—AFD signalling extended to cover HDMI flag, AFDs are codec and resolution agnostic
- Connectivity—new HDMI interoperability guidelines defined.
D-Book 6 is available to DTG Member organisations via the members area of the DTG website
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